Cricket: Otago happy as Twenty20 outsiders

Ian Butler's arrival in India has boosted Otago's batting lineup. Photo / Kenny Rodger

SYDNEY - The cricketing cavalry has arrived for Otago, who are happy to be written off ahead of their opening match of the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India tonight.

Coach Mike Hesson reported his side will be at full strength for their opener in Hyderabad against South Africa's Cape Cobras, who stamped their title claims with a tense opening victory over Bangalore.

Internationals Brendon McCullum, Neil Broom, Aaron Redmond and Ian Butler all joined the side from South Africa in recent days, the latter only arriving last night after a "visa issue".

With key allrounder Nathan McCullum cleared to play after being sidelined with a groin strain, Hesson was confident his side were ready after warmup defeats to Deccan Chargers and Somerset.

"We know in Twenty20 cricket, anything is possible. You've just got to front up on the day," Hesson said.

"We're the underdogs of the tournament which isn't a bad thing. Hopefully we will be underestimated."

It is the first edition of the US$6 million ($8.12 million) tournament in India, and picking a winner from the 12 teams is something of a lottery.

Australia's TAB Sportsbet had Deccan $6 favourites for the US$2.5 million first prize yesterday, with the Otago Volts at $13 and Trinidad and Tobago the $15 outsiders.

The Volts posted 164 for three against Deccan this week before losing by four wickets after former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist blazed 75 off 53 balls.

They then had only 10 fit players to face Somerset, and set the English county just 126 for an eight-wicket loss.

Hesson and his team watched the Cobras, inspired by South African batsman JP Duminy's 99, beat Bangalore by five wickets with two balls to spare. They chased down 181, after Bangalore's New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor thumped an unbeaten 53 off 24 balls.

"They've got some very good players but we've seen a few areas we can exploit," Hesson said.

Hesson said the atmosphere in India was electric in recent days and several of his young players were wide-eyed observers as they even drew big crowds to their training sessions.

They also have the experience of former test opener Craig Cumming and English international Dimitri Mascarenhas.

Clearly, Brendon McCullum will hold the key to their chances at the top of the order, but Hesson said batting depth was their big strength.

A loss to the Cobras tonight will leave Monday's game against Bangalore on their home ground as a sudden death match for the Volts to progress to the final eight from group C.

- NZPA